Gordano School Review 2026: Large Community Comprehensive with Strong Sixth Form

Sitting at the edge of Portishead where the town meets the Gordano Valley, this large comprehensive school serves as a central hub for the local community. With nearly 2,000 students, Gordano is undeniably big, yet it manages to retain a distinct sense of identity through a strong house system and stable leadership. It is part of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, a multi-academy trust that anchors it firmly in the local educational landscape.

The sheer scale of the site—encompassing 50 acres—could feel impersonal, but the school works hard to create smaller communities within the whole. The house system is central to this effort. Named after Shipping Forecast zones (Biscay, Cromarty, Fitzroy, Lundy, Portland, and Shannon), the houses provide the pastoral glue that binds students across year groups. House competitions are fiercely contested, ranging from sports to the performing arts.

Ms Louise Blundell has led the school since September 2022. Her leadership focuses on maintaining high standards of behaviour while ensuring the curriculum remains broad. The atmosphere is energetic but orderly. Students move between the older main blocks and the modern additions, such as the creative arts wing and the Sixth Form centre, with a sense of purpose.

The latest Ofsted inspection in April 2024 rated the school Good in all areas, noting that classrooms are typically calm and purposeful. Inspectors highlighted the wide breadth of subjects and extracurricular activities, a legacy of the school's former specialist status in Science, Technology, and the Creative Arts.

In 2024, Gordano ranked 1,444th in England for GCSE results, placing it in the national typical band (middle 35% of schools in England). The school ranked 15th locally in Bristol/North Somerset. The Progress 8 score of -0.02 indicates that students make progress broadly in line with the England average from their starting points.

In the Sixth Form, performance is consistent. The school ranked 1,241st in England for A-level outcomes in 2024. Nearly half of all grades (46%) were A*-B. The proportion of top grades (A*/A) stood at roughly 24%, aligning closely with the England average of 23.6%.

The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, catering to a wide ability range. In Key Stage 3, students cover a traditional breadth of subjects. The 'Learning to Learn' programme in Year 7 helps transition students from primary school habits to the independence required at secondary level.

At GCSE, the options are extensive. Beyond the EBacc core, students can pursue Construction, Hospitality and Catering, and Music Technology. This vocational breadth is a strength often missing in smaller schools. Teaching groups are set by ability in core subjects like Mathematics and Science, ensuring appropriate support and stretch.

The Sixth Form is a major destination for Year 11 students, though entry is not automatic. For the cohort of 2024 leavers, 39% progressed to university, while 38% entered employment—a balanced split reflecting the school's comprehensive nature.

The university pathway is well-trodden. In 2024, one student secured a place at Cambridge, and 7.7% of Oxbridge applicants received offers. The school supports competitive applications through its 'Future Professionals' and 'Early Applicants' programmes.

Gordano is a popular choice and is regularly oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 361 applications for 273 places, a subscription ratio of 1.3 to 1. Admissions are coordinated by North Somerset Council.

The oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children and those with a sibling already at the school. Following this, geography is the deciding factor. The school serves a defined 'First Geographical Area' covering Portishead and Portbury.

Families living outside this area should be realistic about their chances. While proximity is the main tie-breaker, specific distances change annually. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is organised vertically through the House system. Each student belongs to a tutor group within their House, often staying with the same tutor for five years. This structure means there is always a known adult to turn to.

The Student Centre provides a hub for wellbeing support, offering access to mentors and counsellors. The school is proactive about mental health, employing dedicated non-teaching pastoral staff who are available throughout the school day.

The extracurricular offer is vast, leveraging the school's impressive facilities. Sport is a major pillar; the on-site Community Trust Sports Centre includes a large sports hall, gymnasium, and a floodlit 3G pitch. Teams compete regionally in rugby, netball, and football.

The Creative Arts are equally prominent. The Music department runs multiple choirs, a jazz band, and an orchestra, taking advantage of the recording studio and practice suites. The annual school production involves over 100 students, from cast to lighting technicians.

Duke of Edinburgh is popular, with large cohorts completing Bronze and Silver awards. The 'Gordano Extra' programme encourages students to log their participation in clubs ranging from Debating Society to Eco Club.

The school day begins at 8:40am and finishes at 3:15pm. The school is located on St Mary's Road, with designated drop-off zones to manage the heavy traffic of a large school site. A significant number of students walk or cycle from the surrounding residential areas.

Fees

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents should budget for uniform, optional music lessons, and trips.

Size and scale. With nearly 2,000 students, this is a busy environment. While the house system breaks it down, quieter students may find the sheer volume of people overwhelming initially.

Mixed ability classes. While core subjects are set, many foundation subjects are taught in mixed ability groups in lower years. Parents of very high-ability children should inquire about extension tasks in these lessons.

Catchment strictness. The school is the primary option for Portishead. Families moving into the area should verify they are strictly within the First Geographical Area, as appeals are difficult to win.

Gordano is a true comprehensive that serves its community well. It balances solid academic performance with a genuine commitment to vocational and creative opportunities. Best suited to local families who want a well-resourced education where their child can find their niche, whether that be in the chemistry lab, on the rugby pitch, or in the recording studio. The main challenge is the bustling size, which requires students to develop independence quickly.